The National Aquarium opened the Harbor Wetland, a groundbreaking 10,000-square-foot floating wetland replicating the original Chesapeake Bay tidal marsh habitat. Situated between Piers 3 and 4 on Baltimore's Inner Harbor, this first-of-its-kind exhibit aims to attract native marine species back to the area. It offers visitors a unique, educational experience.
The Harbor Wetland, which is free and accessible during the Aquarium's normal operating hours, showcases over 32,000 native shrubs and marsh grasses. The $14 million project was funded by local, state, and federal support, including significant contributions from CFG Bank, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, The Bunting Family Philanthropies, and Constellation.
"Harbor Wetland is the culmination of 12 years of research, innovation and determination," said Aquarium President and CEO John Racanelli. "We're so excited to welcome Baltimore residents and visitors out onto the water for a close-up view of the vibrant, living habitat taking root here in the Inner Harbor."
The wetland serves as a functional constructed habitat, a floating classroom, and an engaging public attraction. It features docks and walkways, shade cover, and interpretive signage, allowing guests to learn about the wetland and the species it attracts. The habitat's recycled plastic matting, planted with tidal wetland shrubs and grasses, provides microhabitats for dozens of native species and helps clean the water by drawing nutrients and contaminants from it.
The innovative design includes air-regulated pontoons for adjustable buoyancy and a water circulation system powered by compressed air, which releases oxygen into the water, benefiting aquatic species by raising dissolved oxygen levels. This system mimics the natural tidal changes in a marsh, ensuring continuous water movement throughout the wetland.
Senator Van Hollen, who secured $564,700 for the project through Congressionally Directed Spending and the Chesapeake WILD program, emphasized the importance of habitat restoration. "This innovative approach will bring Bay wildlife back to the Inner Harbor and serve as a living educational resource, helping strengthen the culture of shared responsibility for protecting our treasured Bay for generations to come," he said.
Led by General Curator Jack Cover, Director of Field Conservation Charmaine Dahlenburg, and Director of Exhibit Fabrication & Operations Paul Valiquette, the project has applied for three scientific patents related to its buoyancy and aeration systems. The Harbor Wetland builds on a successful prototype that has been in place between Piers 3 and 4 for seven years.
Cover noted the significance of the project for the Aquarium and the Inner Harbor, highlighting its potential to change public perceptions of local waterways. Dwyer, CEO of CFG Bank, also expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting the bank's involvement in planting the wetland and its support for the Aquarium's mission.
The Aquarium's Vice President of Planning & Design, Jacqueline Bershad, credited the project's success to strong partnerships with Baltimore-based architects Ayers Saint Gross and contractor Whiting-Turner, along with original concept architects Studio Gang from Chicago.
As a hands-on classroom, the Harbor Wetland will enhance the Aquarium's conservation education programming, including the "What Lives in the Harbor" curriculum for Baltimore City Public Schools sixth graders. Students will now have closer access to their local waterway, complemented by a mural by Baltimore artist Nether on the Aquarium's Pier 4 west-facing wall and soundscapes integrated into the exhibit.
For more information about the National Aquarium and the Harbor Wetland exhibit, visit www.aqua.org.
Location:
- Harbor Wetland Exhibit
- Between Piers 3 and 4, Inner Harbor, Baltimore
Key Details:
- Opening Date: August 8, 2024
- Size: 10,000 square feet
- Features: Over 32,000 native plants, recycled plastic matting, air-regulated pontoons, water circulation system
Project Supporters:
- CFG Bank
- The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
- The Bunting Family Philanthropies
- Constellation
- Local, State, and Federal Government
The Harbor Wetland is poised to become a significant attraction in Baltimore, promoting environmental education and conservation while enhancing the natural beauty of the Inner Harbor.
